Arrest Made Following Shots Fired Incident in Rabun County

RABUN COUNTY, Ga. (April 13, 2026) — Authorities have made an arrest in connection with a shots-fired incident reported last week along Highway 197, according to a press release from Sheriff Mark Gerrells.

Deputies with the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call around 6:40 a.m. on April 7 regarding gunfire near the intersection of McNabb Road and Highway 197. While en route, deputies received a description of a suspect vehicle identified as a gray Toyota Tacoma traveling southbound.

Law enforcement located the vehicle near Brooks Store and conducted a felony traffic stop without incident. The driver was identified as 80-year-old Richard Henrickson of Orange City, Florida.

During the investigation, Henrickson admitted to discharging a firearm, according to the sheriff’s office. Deputies recovered a .22 caliber revolver and spent shell casings from the vehicle, which were collected as evidence.

The victim told authorities he had stopped to assist what he believed to be a stranded motorist when he encountered Henrickson. During the interaction, two shots were reportedly fired in the direction of the victim’s vehicle. No injuries were reported.

Henrickson was taken into custody and transported to the Rabun County Detention Center, where he has been charged with aggravated assault. His vehicle was impounded.

Sheriff Gerrells praised deputies for their response, stating they acted quickly and professionally to safely resolve the situation. He added that the sheriff’s office takes firearm-related incidents seriously and remains committed to public safety.